Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 4: I-4 rivals lead New Year’s Six race
By Zach Bigalke
Last year, Troy went to Baton Rouge and knocked off LSU in Death Valley for one of the biggest Group of Five upsets of the 2017 season. That made the Week 3 victory by the Trojans over Nebraska less surprising than it might otherwise have been. The lack of surprise should not negate the fact that Troy went to Lincoln and took down a traditional powerhouse on Saturday.
They did so despite having a less-than-perfect day on the road. Kaleb Barker went 14-of-21, but threw for just 110 yards and tossed one interception. B.J. Smith finished as the top running back with 70 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Even with more than 100 fewer yards of offense, the Trojans still managed to take down the Cornhuskers thanks to Cedarius Rookard’s 58-yard punt return touchdown.
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In that regard, Troy is doing everything they need to do to position themselves as a surprise candidate for the Group of Five’s spot in the New Year’s Six out of the Sun Belt. The Trojans have the loss to Boise State hanging on their record, making it harder to make their case. But they do have the win over a Big Ten squad under their belt, and they will have an extra data point this year with a definitive Sun Belt championship.
Conference play starts in Week 4 with a trip to Louisiana-Monroe. If the Trojans go 12-1, this win against Nebraska will ultimately be scrutinized. Troy needs the Cornhuskers to rebound in a big way and at least achieve bowl eligibility to help legitimize this victory further.